In the months leading up to FTX’s collapse and subsequent arrest, Sam Bankman-Fried had multiple personal meetings with influential figures in New York City. One of these events even took place at a late-night venue favored by Mayor Eric Adams.
How Did These Info Get Revealed?
During Bankman-Fried’s trial, Special Agent Richard Busick provided testimony regarding these meetings. According to Busick, phone data analysis showed that Bankman-Fried frequently visited New York City in 2022, despite residing in the Bahamas. This information was likely presented to highlight that his alleged crimes occurred in New York City.
This suggests that Bankman-Fried’s fraudulent activities extended beyond the Bahamas and directly impacted the financial landscape of New York City. The fact that he had frequent meetings with influential individuals raises concerns about potential collaboration or manipulation within the city’s financial circles. This information strengthens the prosecution’s case against him and reinforces the jury’s perception of his guilt.
SBF Meeting With Influential People From Saudi
Reports indicate that Bankman-Fried may have had plans to meet with Saudi Arabia’s finance minister, Khalid A. Al-Falih, or the head of its sovereign wealth fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Additionally, he attended a brief photo session with Forbes in midtown Manhattan. The scheduling of these meetings was handled by his assistant, Natalie Tien.
Tien’s description of dealing with the CEO served as inspiration for Michael Lewis’ book “Going Infinite,” which delves into Bankman-Fried’s story.
SBF Meeting Eric Adams
In March 2022, Bankman-Fried and Mayor Adams had dinner together at Osteria La Baia near the Museum of Modern Art. The restaurant is known to be a workspace for the mayor after hours. The meeting, titled “Hold for Mayor,” was listed on the mayor’s public calendar without specifying the attendees.
Mayor Adams is a well-known crypto enthusiast who received his first salary in ether and bitcoin. He has expressed interest in making New York City a cryptocurrency hub.
SBF Scheduled To Meet With Governor Kathy Hochul
Bankman-Fried had a scheduled meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2022 at The Capital Grille restaurant, despite being a self-proclaimed vegan. Emails presented by the prosecutors showed that Bankman-Fried was highly sought after by the investment community, with 32 different firms requesting to attend a dinner with him, including George Soros and Morgan Stanley.
Hot Take: Bankman-Fried’s Meetings and their Significance
The revelation of Sam Bankman-Fried’s meetings with influential figures in New York City adds weight to the prosecution’s case against him. These meetings demonstrate his involvement in the city’s financial landscape and raise concerns about potential collaboration or manipulation. Additionally, they highlight Bankman-Fried’s popularity and influence within the investment community prior to his downfall. The significance of these meetings strengthens the argument for his guilt and provides insight into the extent of his connections and reach in the crypto world.
By
By
By
By
By